TRC & Educationintegrating INDIGENOUS knowledge

We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in consultation and collaboration with Survivors, Aboriginal peoples, and educators, to:

Make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Aboriginal peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade Twelve students.

Developing and implementing Kindergarten to Grade Twelve curriculum and learning resources on Aboriginal peoples in Canadian history, and the history and legacy of residential schools.

We call upon all levels of government that provide public funds to denominational schools to require such schools to provide an education on comparative religious studies, which must include a segment on 8 | Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Aboriginal spiritual beliefs and practices developed in collaboration with Aboriginal Elders.

WHAT DOES INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE LOOK LIKE IN THE CLASSROOM?

It looks like this: Community partners and Elders in the classroom (and outside) sharing their stories and teachings. It is integrating Indigenous art, such as Métis dot art. It is integrating music such as hand drum circles. It is offering NSL classes to all students. It is including ceremony and culture, like a pow wow and round dances with the school community and the families! YES! This is indeed my school community pictured below and the many people that have contributed to the school culture. We are proud!

Integration like this answers the TRC educational calls to action by: simply honoring the community by including them/representing them in school events, honoring the Indigenous students and families in the school by including them, honoring the TRUE HISTORY of Canada by including ALL students in the learning of the culture. Integration includes opportunities for connections to the land and understanding Mother Earth's gifts.

We owe the Aboriginal peoples a debt that is four centuries old. It is their turn to become full partners in developing an even greater Canada. And the reconciliation required may be less a matter of legal texts than of attitudes of the heart. Romeo LeBlanc

When people speak, we listen. When people sing, we feel. --- Sacha Stevens

We smudge to cleanse our mind, body and spirit. To think, see, hear, speak and feel good things. It is ceremony. --- student

The video link above (changing the ripple effect) showcases something I have been a part of for some time now. It, to me, is the TRC calls to action IN ACTION! It's about changing the effects of residential school ripple effect with positive education! I am proud to be a part of this change. Like George Couchie always tells me : "We are changing the world"! --Miigwech